COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Sunday, December 23, 2012) - The Colorado Rapids announced today that the team has acquired allocation money and Nathan Sturgis, a 25-year-old midfielder with seven seasons of MLS experience, in a trade with the Houston Dynamo. In exchange, the Rapids sent forward Omar Cummings to Houston.

"Adding allocation money gives us flexibility as we look to bring in players for 2013, and Nathan has a lot of experience and can play several positions in midfield and defense," said Technical Director Paul Bravo. "It is difficult to part with Omar, who has been such an important player for us since his arrival in 2007. His achievements with the Rapids will always be remembered by our organization and our fans, and we wish him the very best with the Dynamo."

"Everyone associated with the Rapids has enjoyed watching Omar's development here in Colorado since he joined the team," said Rapids President Tim Hinchey. "His service on the field and in the community has cemented his place in our club's history, and we would all like to thank him for his hard work."

"I have really enjoyed my years in Colorado, and I want to thank the organization, the fans, and especially all of my teammates from the Rapids," said Cummings. "We had an enjoyable locker room that made coming in to practice always fun, and I learned a lot from many different guys in my years here. It was great to be able to win a championship here, and Colorado will always be in my heart."

Sturgis, 25, joined MLS in 2006 as the 12th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, playing 24 games for the LA Galaxy before a midseason trade to Real Salt Lake in 2007. He was selected by Seattle in the 2008 Expansion Draft, playing two seasons for Seattle, followed by a year at Toronto FC and a season with Houston. In his MLS career, Sturgis has played 80 regular season matches (66 starts), scoring one goal and adding two assists.

Cummings, 30, joined the Rapids in 2007 and has scored 39 regular season goals with the team, tied for second on the team's all-time leading scorer list with Paul Bravo. His best season came in 2010, when he scored 14 goals and helped lead the team to its first MLS Cup championship. He was the 31st overall pick in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Cincinnati, and has also played 28 matches with the Jamaican National Team, scoring seven goals.

The Rapids will start preseason in January, and are set to participate in the Desert Friendlies presented by Tucson FC and the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge against Chivas USA on February 15 as part of their preparations. To purchase season tickets for the Rapids' 2013 campaign, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com or call 303-825-GOAL.